Loud Noise of Loggains' Success at South Carolina Adds Pressure at Arkansas

If Razorbacks' offense isn't humming, Hog fans will be left to wonder what might have been as praise of former tight ends coach pours out of Columbia

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Aug 19, 2023 10:50 AM EDT
Original:
Aug 19, 2023

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For the moment things seem to be in good shape regarding the Arkansas offense. That's good news for head coach Sam Pittman and the Razorback program because if things don't work out, the rave reviews coming out of South Carolina indicate the questions and potential regret of missed opportunity could pile up rather quick.

It was no secret that Dowell Loggains was possibly the most overqualified tight ends coach in the history of college football. He came to Arkansas after 12 years of coaching in the NFL, including seven years as an offensive coordinator. After opportunities to move up in Fayetteville never presented themself, Loggains moved on to serve as offensive coordinator under Shane Beamer at South Carolina and the reviews have been through the roof.

"This is the best Fall camp I've ever been a part of," Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler said. "Offensively, I love everything we're doing. I don't feel any growing pains myself. The group has been gelling; we've been playing fast. We've had a ton of explosive plays and touchdowns this camp, way more than last year for sure."

Rattler, once a Heisman favorite, not went out of his way to praise what Loggains has done with the offense so far, he reportedly credited him as one of the main reasons he returned for another season in Columbia. But Rattler isn't the only one singing his praises. The line is long on both sides of the ball.

"That's my guy," tight end transfer Josh Simon said. "He's a players coach, and anything we see, anything he sees, we can go to him and be like, 'Hey coach, what if I do it like this?' 'Hey, what you think about this?'"

Loggains even has defensive players saying his efforts have made them better. Defensive back David Spaulding said the challenge of facing such a strong offense is creating a better Gamecocks defense.

"This offense is great," Spaulding said. "They've been doing a lot. For a defensive player, you would want to go against this type of offense because they give you so much and you get to see everything in practice. You get to become a better defensive player going against them every day. [Loggains] is a great offensive coordinator."

Linebacker Mohamed Kaba echoed Spaulding, saying not only does he love seeing what's happening on offense, he loves facing it on a daily basis. The buzz among the players over Loggains, plus what happened against Tennessee and Clemson to close the 2022 season has Gamecock fans daring to say there may be a chance to challenge for the final SEC East championship.

There's no telling what might have happened had things not shaken out the way they did last December. Had he still been around a month later when Pittman tired of offensive coordinator Kendal Briles' flirtatious attitude, it would have been interesting to see if Loggains would have been the one hired before Briles could land a new job at TCU or if Enos was always the choice.

If things go as a lot of people think, it won't matter what Loggains does at South Carolina. However, if the wheels fall off partway through the season as the offense struggles to find its rhythm, it will be hard for Arkansas fans to allow their eyes to wander toward the Carolinas and wonder what might have been.